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The Guardian
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Rehan Ahmed's technicolour technique deserves a show on Ashes stage
As the Hundred fires into primary-coloured summer action, all free T-shirts and AI fan photos, the Spin has been putting her feet up, coffee in one hand, notebook in the other, chewing over the Championship season to date. If the notebook has proved a bitter disappointment, scribbled with long-forgotten three for 67s, the ruminations have been fun. It's been a season of surprises – Leicestershire! Lancashire! – and memorable moments, from Tom Banton's 371 in the very first game to Ian Botham's thunder and fury over Somerset's field-of-onions pitch for the game against Durham. But in all the gin joints, in all the towns, the one player to have left the biggest impression is young, still so young Rehan Ahmed – who celebrates his 21st birthday on Wednesday. Ahmed, you'll remember, made a precocious debut for England in Karachi in December 2022, aged just 18 years and 126 days, nudging Brian Close into the wings – which is quite some feat in itself. With his wheeling leg-breaks he fizzed five for 48 in the second innings, to help England to an eight-wicket victory, and looked feet-on-the sofa at home in the Bazball set-up. Since then, he's played here and there, another four Tests, plus six ODIs and 10 T20s, but nothing since last autumn. Progress after his Test debut was haphazard, as you'd expect for a teenager yet to settle in his own skin. In 2024, he played eight Championship games for Leicestershire, made four 50s and averaged 33 with the bat. With the ball, he pocketed 13 wickets at a less than dreamy 60.69. This year, with just three games of the season to come, he has played in 10, and is averaging more than 50, with five centuries (the joint leading hundred-scorer in Division Two, alongside Kent's Ben Compton and Saif Zaib – who has had a fantastic season for Northamptonshire). With the ball, the improvement has been even more precipitous, with 23 wickets at an average of 19 – and much of that bowling on the merciless Grace Road square. But the figures only sketch an outline, and Ahmed is a technicolour player, an energy bath bomb with a textbook technique. The Spin has been lucky enough to watch him razzle-dazzle two hundreds in the flesh this year – both against Lancashire, one at Old Trafford, one at Grace Road, opponent-draining, sparkling innings so much better than the previous blind boundary biffing. He added another against Kent, another against Glamorgan and became the first Englishman to take 13 wickets and score a century in a first-class game since Ian Botham in the Jubilee Test of 1980, after taking Derbyshire to the cleaners with both bat and ball. His season to remember has tickled the spectators at Grace Road, as well as the playing staff. And not only because because of his role in firing them towards promotion to Division One, now only a fingertip away. He is also a genuinely popular young man. On the field, a move up the order has brought more responsibility, something that he has relished. And with the ball he has found more control – whereas previously a first over of a spell might have been loose, and gone for 10 runs, this year he's kept on top of the scoreboard. Those who've watched him from the sidelines have seen a subtle shift – from someone who was always a good teammate to someone who wants to take his game to the next level. Someone who, from the first moment of pre-season, meant business. Claude Henderson is Leicestershire's director of cricket. 'I think there is much more to come, we're not even close to seeing Rehan Ahmed's best,' he says. 'There is a massive ceiling there. It must be very exciting for England to watch – having Rehan in the top six would solve a lot of problems for them. It is very exciting for us too! 'I've always said you've got a hell of a batsman there. The skills and the hunger and the passion – that's what shines out, that's what I saw in his eyes when he was 18 years old. He's a very honest young man, he just wants to play cricket, loves a challenge, what you see is what you get. 'His introduction to cricket happened very quickly and that creates a bit of pressure but he's come through with flying colours. His fitness has improved, his bowling has improved, which is really good to see, he is more mature. He's grown up a bit and all while scoring the runs, taking the wickets, with a massive smile on his face.' Would Henderson take Ahmed on the Ashes tour, with all the pressures that brings? 'I would definitely consider him. I know what he can offer. If they are comfortable that he can bat in the top seven, then you've got an all-rounder up your sleeve. He has shown in the Championship, and now in the Hundred, what he is capable of with the bat. He's changed the whole perception of Rehan Ahmed – hold on a sec, I can bat, give me a go, I can win you a game with bat and ball.' Happy birthday Rehan, may your summer continue to sizzle and your winter entertain you, and us, royally. It's close to all guns blazing. That's how we think we play best' – Tim David on how Australia's men are tackling T20 cricket, after a record ninth win in a row – this one against South Africa in Darwin. You may have heard that somewhere before. Still, that run ended at nine. The latest Cricket Climate report – Hit for Six, the Danger Zone – concentrates on India and the increased risk to IPL players and spectators from extreme heat. More than half of all games in the IPL's 2025 season were played in conditions classified on the heat index as either extreme caution or danger (sunstroke likely, heatstroke possible). The report was blunt: 'One of the world's biggest sporting leagues is edging deeper into a climate danger zone.' Hit for Six also charts a rapid increased in hazardous heat days at stadiums around India. There has been a sweat-inducing 125% rise in high-risk heat days (those where temperatures exceed safe limits for human health) in Mumbai since 1970, while in Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram there were more than 100 such days in 2024 alone. Professional athletes are protected to some extent by teams of physios, ice collars, rehydration drinks and rapid medical attention, but, at a recreational level, things are more dangerous and precautions ad hoc. 'It is brutal,' Raghav from the Toss Cricket Academy in Delhi told the report. 'The pitch dries out faster, making it hard for the bowlers. Also, batsmen struggle to play their shots when the ground is so hot. It's definitely a growing concern among players of all levels, especially at grassroots.' Others reflected on how, even in India, cricket starts to lose its appeal when played in extreme temperatures. 'I'm very worried,' said Kavita from Hindustan. 'If kids can't play safely or regularly, they'll start drifting away from cricket. And for girls especially, it's already hard enough – this just makes it harder.' While flooding has generally been seen as more of a risk to the cancellation of games in the UK, heat stress is coming up on the inside. Four seniors games in Kent were called off on Tuesday in the national knockout cup, with temperatures predicted to hit 30C. It was a wise precaution. The elderly are much more at risk from extreme summer heat – they don't sweat as much as younger people, so find it more difficult to cool down, while heat exacerbates age-related conditions like lung, heart, and kidney disease. Dehydration is also made worse by some common prescription medication. Throw in hours of being active in direct sunlight, while wearing heavy cricket gear, and you have a potential ticking timebomb gently playing out in front of you. While Rehan Ahmed is celebrated as the youngest man to play cricket for England, the youngest woman has been largely forgotten. Leanne Davis was 15 years and 66 days when she made her debut against South Africa in July 2000. She was called up as she was doing her GCSEs and her dad ended up driving her from Lancashire to Taunton, where she sat a German exam in a random school, so she could be ready for duty the next day. She played just twice for England, and gave up cricket at 21, before moving to Australia. It's time for the game to get on the front foot in helping women and girls to feel accepted, writes broadcaster and former England international Isa Guha. The Hundred? There's a fair argument that it's the worst cricket thing ever invented, reckons Barney Ronay. Middlesex are in advanced talks to establish a new base away from Lord's, Matt Hughes reports. The T20 Blast is to undergo a bit of shrinkflation next year – with two fewer matches per team. And in case you missed it … catch up with Ali Martin in conversation with Chris Woakes discussing that extraordinary moment at the Oval. … by writing to To subscribe to The Spin, just visit this page and follow the instructions.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
London Spirit vs Trent Rockets: When, where to watch Match 13 of The Hundred 2025 live
London Spirit will take on the Trent Rockets in match 13 of the ongoing The Hundred Competition 2025 on August 14, at Lord's, London. The Rockets won their previous encounter against Northern Superchargers by five wickets. The Superchargers scored 124 runs in the first innings, which the Spirit chased quite comfortably, thanks to Tom Banton's 37 off 24 balls and Rehan Ahmed's 31 off 26 balls. London Spirt take on Trent Rockers(The Hundred) Meanwhile, the Spirit lost their previous match against the Manchester Originals by ten runs. Despite David Warner's (71) power-packed performance, the Spirit couldn't chase 163 runs. Josh Tongue claimed three wickets, which helped the Originals seal the match. Match Details: Match: London Spirit vs Trent Rockets, 13th Match Date: 14th August 2025, Thursday Time: 11.00 PM IST Venue: Lord's, London Where to watch: Fancode, via OTTplay Premium In the Hundred Women's Competition 2025, match 13 will be played between the London Spirit and Trent Rockets at Lord's, London. The Spirit are leading the points table with three consecutive wins. They have some quality players in the squad, like Grace Harris, Charlotte Dean, Issy Wong, and others who have helped the team carry the winning momentum forward. They won their last match against the Manchester Originals by three wickets, thanks to Grace Harris' half-century. Meanwhile, the Trent Rockets have lost two back-to-back matches. They lost their previous match against the Superchargers by eight wickets. Even though skipper Ashleigh Gardner scored 61 off 32 balls, including ten boundaries, Superchargers' Davina Perrin scored an unbeaten 72 off 40 balls, hitting 12 boundaries. Her powerful knock helped them win the match. Match Details: Match: London Spirit vs Trent Rockets, 13th Match Date: 14th August 2025, Thursday Time: 7.30 PM IST Venue: Lord's, London Where to watch: Fancode, via OTTplay Premium Where to Watch The Hundred 2025 in India? To watch The Hundred 2025 in India, fans can stream the live action on FanCode, accessible via OTTplay Premium. Moreover, they can also watch the matches on Sony Sports Network Channels.
Daily Mail
10-08-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Zak Crawley is 7/2 to score the most runs for the Northern Superchargers - as his side are away against the Trent Rockets in The Hundred
Undefeated sides Trent Rockets and Northern Superchargers clash in a blockbuster match-up in The Hundred Sunday - with the pair going head-to-head in Nottingham. Despite being away from home - the Superchargers and Rockets cannot be seperated in the betting markets, each priced at 10/11 . Elsewhere, in the Top Runscorer market - Joe Root is the best-backed for the hosts at 9/4. Although Root failed to fire with the bat in the Rockets' opener - the 34-year-old is just weeks removed from an incredible Test series against India in which he averaged 67.12. Root's teammate Tom Banton - who top scored in the Rockets' win over Birmingham Phoenix on Friday - is a 3/1 third-favourite to top score for his side yet again. Conversely, Dawid Malan and Harry Brook are joint-favourites at 3/1 to score the most runs for the Northern Superchargers Zak Crawley is 7/2 to score the most runs for the Superchargers in The Hundredon Sunday Malan scored 41 runs in their win on Thursday, while Brook finished on 25 not out. Zak Crawley ultimately top scored for the Superchargers in the same game, with the opening batsman ending the innings on 67 not out. For those anticipating Crawley to top score again for his team - he is a 7/2 third-favourite with Sky Bet. Sky Bet odds for Trent Rockets vs Northern Superchargers: Northern Superchargers 10/11 Trent Rockets 10/11 Sky Bet odds in Top Runscorer market for Trent Rockets vs Northern Superchargers: Trent Rockets Joe Root 9/4 Sam Hain 11/4 Tom Banton 3/1 Northern Superchargers Dawid Malan 3/1 Harry Brook 3/1 Zak Crawley 7/2
BBC News
30-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Slater century leads Notts reply against Somerset
Rothesay County Championship Division One, Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton (day two)Somerset 379: Banton 84, Abell 64, Rew 58; Abbas 3-59, Hutton 3-94Nottinghamshire 214-3: Slater 116*, Haynes 34*Notts (2pts) trail Somerset (2pts) by 165 with seven wickets standingMatch scorecard Ben Slater's 15th first class hundred spearheaded a solid Nottinghamshire batting display on the second day of the County Championship Division One match with Somerset at home side extended their first innings score from an overnight 275-6 to a challenging 379 all out, Tom Banton dismissed for 84 and Matt Henry making an unbeaten 41 off just 29 balls, with four fours and three the close, Notts had posted 214-3 in reply, opener Slater contributing an unbeaten 116, off 224 balls, with 14 their opponents on day one, Somerset bowled few loose deliveries and every run had to be fought for on a day of soaring temperatures. Jack Leach conceded just 42 runs from 25 overs of left-arm spin and Craig Overton 31 from was unbeaten on 57 at the start of play, having been dropped on two, and shouldered major responsibility for lifting Somerset to a competitive score. With only nine runs added to the total, he lost partner Kasey Aldridge, caught at second slip by Freddie McCann low to his right off Mohammad looked in good touch, scoring 24 and helping Banton add 44 for the eighth wicket, before being pinned lbw by Brett Hutton with the total on 330 in the 111th over, both sides having been forced to settle for two bonus spinner Liam Patterson-White had bowled tightly throughout the innings and reaped the reward of a second wicket when Banton, who had battled away for four hours and 17 minutes, striking eight fours, mistimed a reverse sweep straight to Abbas at backward remainder of the innings was all about Henry, who treated the 2,000 children admitted free from schools around the region, to some exciting hitting. The New Zealander survived a chance to Joe Clarke on the long-on boundary and produced numerous clean strikes in a last wicket stand of 39, to which Jack Leach contributed just six before being caught at bowled off a leading edge by Farhan visitors had to negotiate a tricky 15 minutes before lunch, but reached the interval on 15 without loss from three overs, Leach having opened the home bowling attack with afternoon session saw Somerset bowl without much luck in rising heat - but they made a breakthrough with the total on 38 as Haseeb Hameed got a thin edge to a delivery from Henry to be caught behind by James was soon looking to capitalise on a pitch offering no more than occasional assistance to the bowlers and moved confidently to a half-century off 62 balls, with nine fours. McCann contributed to a second-wicket stand of 66 before pushing forward to off-spinner Archie Vaughan and providing Rew with a second catch. At tea, the scoreboard read 124-2, but the final session saw Leach strike with the vital wicket of Joe Clarke, on 18, as the Notts player aimed a big drive at a wide delivery and edged into the safe hands of Overton at had a heart in mouth moment next ball as it rapped his back pad and went straight to Overton. Somerset's huge appeal for either leg before or a catch off an inside edge went unheeded and it proved a big moment as a meaningful fourth-wicket stand remained unmoved and brought up a hugely valuable century with a square cut for two off Vaughan, having faced 171 deliveries and extended his boundary count to 14. It was an innings of patience and sound shot selection on a pitch, which like the first day, required application with both bat and stumps, the partnership with Jack Haynes (34) was worth 71 and Notts could reflect on a decent afternoon's Reporters' Network supported by Rothesay
BBC News
29-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Somerset recover after early Notts breakthroughs
Rothesay County Championship Division One, Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton (day one)Somerset 275-6: Abell 64, Rew 58, Banton 57*; Abbas 2-45, Hutton 2-55Nottinghamshire: Yet to batSomerset 1 pt, Notts 2 ptsMatch scorecard Half-centuries from James Rew, Tom Abell and Tom Banton dug Somerset out of trouble on day one against County Championship Division One leaders Nottinghamshire at home side slipped to 46-3 after winning the toss before Rew (58), Abell (64) and Banton (57 not out) guided them to 275-6 at the the Notts bowlers displayed commendable accuracy to ensure the Somerset could never cut loose and the pitch offered them just enough assistance to ensure an absorbing contest between bat and opted for a new opening partnership of Sean Dickson and Tom Kohler-Cadmore, but were soon in trouble with only 10 runs on the board when Dickson fell lbw to Brett Hutton for a duck, advancing down the was soon 22-2 as Tom Lammonby, on two, played forward and edged a catch to wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan to give Hutton a second wicket. Kohler-Cadmore had begun positively and hit five fours in scoring 31 off 55 balls before getting a good delivery from Mohammad Abbas that left him off the pitch, forcing an edge that was again snapped up by 46-3 in the 15th over, Somerset were in hole. But there was no great movement in the air or off the pitch for the seamers and Liam Patterson-White's left-arm spin was soon introduced from the River End as Rew and Abell lunch they had taken the total to 100-3 from 31 overs, Rew looking the more fluent in moving to 41, while Abell had battled for his 17. The afternoon session saw Rew move to a half-century off 86 balls, including eight fours, making good use of the sweep against the had gradually found his timing and placement, but when the stand had progressed to 99 from 34.4 overs, Rew straight drove a delivery from seamer Lyndon James, who stooped to take a sharp return looked an important breakthrough for the visitors, although Abell was looking an increasing threat as he moved to fifty off 126 balls, with five fours. Banton, struggling for form since a triple century in the opening game of the season against Worcestershire, was given a life on two when Patterson-White spilled a relatively straightforward chance at first slip off quickly atoned by taking the valuable wicket of Abell, who spared the umpire a decision by turning to walk off after feathering a catch to Kishan down the leg side. At 179-5, Somerset were back under pressure and just six runs had been added when tea was had bowled well all day, giving little away, and that continued into the final session, which saw Banton and Archie Vaughan made to fight for every run on the normally fast-scoring ground. Both displayed exemplary concentration and careful shot selection to put together a half-century stand from 83 a short boundary on the town side of the ground, the scoring rate was only fractionally above three an over when the second new ball became available at 243-5. The impressive Abbas struck with it in the 83rd over, as Vaughan (35) aimed a back-foot forcing shot and was caught at a wide third slip by Jack who loves nothing more than dominating a bowling attack, showed the required degree of restraint to reach fifty off 103 balls, having hit five fours. Kasey Aldridge, recalled to the Somerset team, proved an equally determined partner in taking Somerset through to the close, scoring just four off 34 Reporters' Network supported by Rothesay
